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Heavy-Duty vs. Medium-Duty Kenworth® Trucks: Why You Need to Know the Difference

Jun. 17 2020 Buying Guide By Staff

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Kenworth trucks have a long history of providing reliable, efficient, and affordable cargo transport for a wide range of businesses. They’re a major part of the trucking industry and there’s a good chance that you’ve chosen them, by name, to become part of your fleet, or even be your very first cargo transport investment.

But not all businesses or truckers need the same type of Kenworth truck. That’s why Palmer Trucks has broken down your options for you. Check out the different advantages between the heavy-duty and medium-duty trucks that are available at one of our many locations throughout Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky, and Illinois. Call us and let us know how we can help you get on the road with the truck you need. If you’d like to see us in person, please check out our operating guidelines in response to the global crisis our country currently faces so we can keep you and our staff safe. 

Truck Classifications

If you’re new to trucking, or you're a business owner buying their first truck, the first thing you need to understand is how the truck industry is broken down. All trucks, from your pickup at home to the semis driving down the road, are broken down into classifications based on how much weight they can handle, numbering from 1-8.

Truck classes are defined by the gross vehicle weight rating, or GVWR. This is the maximum operating weight of a vehicle as designated by the vehicle manufacturer. The number you see tells you the absolute limit in terms of how much your entire traveling unit can weigh once it’s completely loaded. Common factors that add to weight include the weight of the truck, the weight of all towed items, cargo, engine fluids and fuel, accessories, and even the driver and passenger.

GVWR needs to be an important factor in your search for the perfect vehicle because exceeding your vehicle’s GVWR is both dangerous and illegal. An overloaded truck is more likely to become damaged or lose control. If law enforcement becomes aware you’re exceeding your vehicle’s GVWR, you could be subject to fines or criminal charges. 

Long story short, make sure your truck can handle the cargo. 

Heavy-Duty Classifications

Now onto the classes themselves and which Kenworth models you’ll likely be looking at. Heavy-duty trucks include, but are not limited to, all those semis you pass on the highway. They can handle the most weight and the longest, most frequent hauls. 

These classes are:

  • Class 7: GVWR of 26,001 to 33,000 pounds
  • Class 8: GVWR over 33,001 pounds

Heavy-Duty Kenworth® Trucks

Kenworth specializes in heavy-duty trucks, so you’ll have no shortage of options. To get you started, consider checking out:

  • W990
  • T680
  • T880
  • W900
  • T800

Medium-Duty Trucks

The next group of trucks are still used as commercial trucks, but they’re more compact and easy to use for drivers and business owners who aren’t hauling big loads. This includes:

  • Class 4: GVWR of 14,001-16,000 pounds
  • Class 5: GVWR of 16,001-19,500 pounds
  • Class 6: GVWR of 19,501-26,000 pounds

Medium-Duty Kenworth® Trucks

Kenworth has a range of medium-duty trucks on top of their heavy-duty models to assist this group of drivers. If your needs are better filled by a medium-duty Kenworth truck, you might want to check out:

  • T170
  • T270
  • T370
  • K270
  • K370
  • T440
  • T470

Which One is Right for You?

As we’ve already mentioned, you need to prioritize weight when you’re thinking about your choices. Use the truck classes listed above to guide you through the market and choose the model that’s right for your needs.

There are other ways to choose between a heavy-duty and medium-duty truck, like thinking about your route. Heavy-duty trucks are often called upon to perform long hauls, so they’re built to be more durable. If you know you’ll be making many long trips, you might want to consider the bigger truck anyway. 

You’ll also likely be able to choose between a gas and diesel engine. Gas engines are often less expensive, but a diesel is ideal for long hauls.

Consider what your driver can handle. Some medium-duty trucks may not require a CDL, but all heavy-duty trucks will need one. Make sure your driver is equipped to handle the vehicle you give them, or arrange for them to be trained and certified. 

And finally, there’s always your budget to think about. Don’t shirk on essential features to save a buck, but make sure you’re prepared for this type of investment. If the perfect truck is financially out of reach, talk to our staff about deals, financing options, or other ways to make it more affordable.

We realize this is a lot to consider, but we promise it’s worth the extra time and effort. You’re spending a lot of money on this vehicle, so you’ll want to make sure you’re making the right choice. If you need help choosing between a heavy-duty and medium-duty Kenworth truck, stop by Palmer Trucks and let one of our experienced staff show you what we have available right now. You’ll find us open for business all across Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky, and Illinois, so visit us today!